INSA anti-drug meet in Kullu from April 18

Mukesh Ranjan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 15

Himachal continues to struggle with the problem of production, consumption and trade in illicit narcotic drugs, particularly in seven sensitive districts, including Shimla, despite having all structures in place to curb the trend.

Keeping this in view, the Institute of Narcotics Studies and Analysis (INSA) with the active support from the Centre and state governments is organising a three-day conference beginning April 18 in Kullu to “search for truth and solution” to the raging problem.

The problem of production, consumption and trade in illicit narcotic drugs are rampant in Kullu, Kinnaur, Kangra, Shimla, Sirmaur, Mandi and Chamba. All these districts are having local-level Anti-Narcotics Task Force under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioners since 2011. “But still, instead of the problem getting under control, it has aggravated further and attracted bad name for the state,” said, Devendra Dutt, secretary of INSA.

Experts believe that since high-quality cannabis are grown in the state, a good number of foreign tourists get attracted to visit these districts during their sojourn in India. “The main aim to hold such a conference is to find out the reasons as to why the menace is ever increasing despite having the requisite laws to curb it. We have invited all concerns, from law enforcing agencies to health and rehabilitation personnel to share their experience in dealing with the problem,” said Dutt.

The conference is being organised with an active support from the Centre’s agency – the National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse (NFCDA), which is administered by the Department of Revenue where other members are drawn from Ministries of Home, Health and Social Justice.

“The event is also supported by the Himachal Government as it will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh. Many state officials are going to participate and share their experience,” said an INSA official, adding that within one month after the conference, “the organisation will submit a report to the NFCDA”.